HISTORY AND STATUS OF MOOSE IN OREGON

Abstract

Moose (Alces alces) were not present in Oregon at the time of European settlement. Five Alaskan moose were transplanted to the central Oregon coast in 1922, but the effort ended in failure. The first recorded sighting of moose in northeast Oregon occurred in 1960, and 20 sightings were reported at various locations throughout northeast Oregon from 1960-2000. From 2001-2006 the number of sightings increased substantially in the northern Blue Mountains of Oregon, including the first documented calf in 2005. Moose in the northern Blue Mountains became established through natural dispersal, with most believed to have dispersed southwest across the Palouse Prairie from the Moscow Mountain area of Idaho. Moose habitat in the Blue Mountains is characterized by managed coniferous forest with a mixture of mature timber and logged areas in various stages of succession. Survey efforts were established in 2006, with the present population estimated at 60. In 2008, 6 moose were radio-collared to obtain baseline information on reproduction, habitat use, and seasonal movements. Captured moose appeared healthy and were without external parasites, although the carotid worm (Elaeophora schneideri) was identified in a bull moose that died accidentally in 2010. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife plans to continue monitoring population status, range expansion, and health of moose in Oregon.